Optical device, optical device driving unit, information write device, preset information setting system, and camera system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a driving member for driving the optical member, a storage member for storing preset information about driving of the optical member, an information write device for writing the preset information in the storage member from the outside of the optical device, and a control member for performing driving control of the driving member. The control member performs preset driving control of the driving member on the basis of the preset information stored in the storage member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an optical device such as a zoomlens, an optical device driving unit, an information write device, apreset information setting system, and a camera system used in a TVcamera, video camera, and the like.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] Photographing operation using a TV camera, TV lens, and the likeadopts various photographing methods. To more easily and accuratelyrealize these photographing methods, there is a lens device havingvarious so-called preset control functions.

[0005] First, a zoom lens is moved to a predetermined zoom position at ahigh speed during photographing operation, and photographing operationrestarts from this position. This photographing method is implemented bya function of storing an arbitrary zoom position as a preset position inadvance and turning on a switch during photographing operation to movethe zoom lens to the preset position at the maximum driving speeddrivable by the lens device. This function will be referred to as a fastposition preset zoom hereinafter.

[0006] Second, photographing operation is performed while the zoom lensis moved at a predetermined zoom ratio and a predetermined constantspeed. This photographing method is achieved by a function of storing anarbitrary zoom position as a preset position in advance, storing anarbitrary zoom lens driving speed as a preset speed, and turning on aswitch during photographing operation to move the zoom lens to thepreset position at the preset speed. This function will be referred toas a memory position preset zoom hereinafter.

[0007] Third, photographing operation is performed while the zoom lensis moved at a predetermined speed. This photographing method is realizedby a function of storing an arbitrary zoom lens driving direction as apreset direction in advance, storing an arbitrary zoom lens drivingspeed as a preset speed, and turning on a switch during photographingoperation to move the zoom lens in the preset direction at the presetspeed. This function will be referred to as a speed preset zoomhereinafter.

[0008] Fourth, the zoom position is changed while an object isphotographed at a given zoom position, and then the zoom position isreturned to an original one to continue photographing operation. Thisphotographing method is attained by a function of storing an arbitraryzoom position as a preset position in advance, turning on a switch tostore the zoom position at the switch-on timing, driving the zoom lensto the preset position, enabling photographing operation, then turningoff the switch to drive the zoom lens to the zoom position stored at theswitch-on timing, and enabling photographing operation. This functionwill be referred to as a shuttle zoom hereinafter.

[0009] The preset position and preset speed which must be stored in eachfunction are set by, e.g., the variable resistor of the lens device foreach function. As some of recent functions, a zoom position, speed, ordirection in actually driving a zoom lens is detected, and detectioninformation obtained at the operation timing of a switch for designatingstorage is stored as a preset position, preset speed, or presetdirection in a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0010] As a recent photographing form, a TV camera or TV lens isinstalled in a virtual studio or mounted on a remote-control pan head,and remote-controlled by a controller. This form is becoming popular.

[0011] A TV lens having the conventional preset control functions isequipped with a storage command operation means such as a variableresistor or switch used in storing a preset position, preset speed, orpreset direction. To store a preset position or the like in aremote-control photographing form, the user must go to the place wherethe TV camera or TV lens is located. This is inconvenient.

[0012] In a lens device having the conventional preset controlfunctions, it is difficult to store a preset position by inputting afocal length or to store a preset speed by using an entire zoom rangemovable time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to enable setting presetinformation such as a preset position, preset speed, or preset directionvia an information write device set outside (e.g., remote place) anoptical device or driving unit. Particularly in a remote-controlphotographing form, the user can set preset information without goingclose to the optical device or the like, which is very convenient.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to equip an opticaldevice or driving unit with an information conversion means forconverting preset information of an arbitrary form received from aninformation write device into preset information of a form processiblein preset driving control, thereby enabling conversion setting of apreset position by inputting a desired focal length to the informationwrite device, or enabling conversion setting of a preset speed byinputting a desired entire zoom range movable time to the informationwrite device.

[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to arrange aselection means for selecting which of preset information set on thedevice side or preset information acquired via the information writedevice is used to perform preset driving control, thereby increasingchoices of usable preset information and realizing a more useful presetcontrol function.

[0016] To achieve the above objects, according to the present invention,there is provided an optical device comprising an optical member,driving means for driving the optical member, storage means for storingpreset information about driving of the optical member, an informationwrite device for writing the preset information in the storage meansfrom outside of the optical device, and control means for performingdriving control of the driving means, wherein the control means performspreset driving control of the driving means on the basis of the presetinformation stored in the storage means.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided an opticaldevice driving unit mounted on or connected to an optical device mainbody having an optical member, comprising an optical member, drivingmeans for driving the optical member, storage means for storing presetinformation about driving of the optical member, an information writedevice for writing the preset information in the storage means fromoutside of the optical device, and control means for performing drivingcontrol of the driving means, wherein the control means performs presetdriving control of the driving means on the basis of the presetinformation stored in the storage means.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided aninformation write device connected to an optical device including anoptical member, driving means for driving the optical member, storagemeans for storing preset information about driving of the opticalmember, and control means for performing driving control of the drivingmeans, the control means performing preset driving control of thedriving means on the basis of the preset information stored in thestorage means, comprising connection means for connecting theinformation write device to the optical device, driving commandoperation means operated to designate driving of the optical member, thedriving command operation means generating driving information, andstorage command operation means operated to store the drivinginformation from the driving command operation means as presetinformation in the storage means.

[0019] According to the present invention, there is provided a presetinformation setting system having an optical device and an informationwrite device connected to the optical device, comprising an opticalmember, driving means for driving the optical member, storage means forstoring preset information about driving of the optical member, controlmeans for performing driving control of the driving means, the controlmeans performing preset driving control of the driving means on thebasis of the preset information stored in the storage means, connectionmeans for connecting the information write device to the optical device,driving command operation means operated to designate driving of theoptical member, the driving command operation means generating drivinginformation, and storage command operation means operated to store thedriving information from the driving command operation means as presetinformation in the storage means.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is provided a camerasystem having a camera on which an optical device is mounted, comprisingan optical member, driving means for driving the optical member, storagemeans for storing preset information about driving of the opticalmember, an information write device for writing the preset informationin the storage means from outside of the optical device, and controlmeans for performing driving control of the driving means, the controlmeans performing preset driving control of the driving means on thebasis of the preset information stored in the storage means.

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will be apparent from the following description ofembodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a TV lens accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the processing of a CPU when a zoomlens optical system is controlled from a zoom control switch in the TVlens;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal arrangement of amemory in the TV lens;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing of the CPU whenpreset information from an external write device connected to the TVlens is set;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing of the CPU whenpreset information from the external write device is set;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing of the CPU whenpreset information from the external write device is set;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing of the CPU whenpreset information from the external write device is set;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing of the CPU whenpreset information from the external write device is set; and

[0030]FIG. 9 is a graph schematically showing conversion of presetinformation from the external write device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] (First Embodiment)

[0032]FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of a lens device (optical device)according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, aTV lens 100 serves as the above-mentioned lens device. A zoom controlswitch 1 is manipulated by the user. A command signal generation circuit2 generates a command signal for designating a driving direction anddriving speed (or a driving amount and driving position) proportional tothe manipulation amount of the zoom control switch 1 in order toelectrically drive a zoom lens optical system (optical member) 7 foradjusting the magnification of the lens device.

[0033] A zoom speed variable volume control 3 changes the driving speedof the zoom lens optical system 7 depending on the manipulation amountof the zoom control switch 1. A command signal calculation circuit 4executes signal level shift conversion in order to supply a commandsignal to an A/D conversion circuit 5. The A/D conversion circuit 5converts an analog signal output from the command signal calculationcircuit 4 into a digital signal.

[0034] A CPU 6 controls the operation of the lens device. The CPU 6 alsocontrols the above-described four preset driving control functions “fastposition preset zoom”, “memory position preset zoom”, “speed presetzoom”, and “shuttle zoom”. The CPU 6 incorporates a CPU presetinformation memory 28 and CPU optical information memory 29.

[0035] The CPU preset information memory 28 stores three pieces ofpreset information (device-side preset information), i.e., a presetposition, preset speed, and preset direction which are used in therespective preset driving control functions and are set in the TV lens100, which will be described later.

[0036] The CPU optical information memory 29 stores in advance opticalconversion information (arithmetic equation, table data, or the like)for converting preset information of an arbitrary form input via anexternal write device (information write device) 27 (to be describedlater) into information corresponding to a position signal or speedsignal from a zoom position detector 15 or zoom speed detector 12, i.e.,information of a form processible by the CPU 6 in performing presetdriving control.

[0037] A D/A conversion circuit 8 converts a command signal output fromthe CPU 6 in order to drive the zoom lens optical system 7, from adigital signal to an analog signal. A CPU command signal calculationcircuit 9 performs signal level shift conversion for the command signaloutput from the D/A conversion circuit 8. A power amplifying circuit 10amplifies the command signal output from the CPU command signalcalculation circuit 9 and supplies the amplified signal to a motor 11for driving the zoom lens optical system 7. In practice, the motor 11drives the zoom lens optical system 7 along the optical axis by rotatingand driving about the optical axis a lens operation ring (not shown)which engages with the zoom lens optical system 7 via a cam.

[0038] The speed detector 12 outputs a speed signal corresponding to thedriving speed of the zoom lens optical system 7. A speed signalcalculation circuit 13 executes signal level shift conversion in orderto supply the speed signal to an A/D conversion circuit 14. The A/Dconversion circuit 14 converts an analog signal output from the speedsignal calculation circuit 13 into a digital signal and outputs thedigital signal to the CPU 6.

[0039] The position signal detector 15 outputs a position signalcorresponding to the position of the zoom lens optical system 7. Aposition signal calculation circuit 16 performs signal level shiftconversion in order to supply the position signal to an A/D conversioncircuit 17. The A/D conversion circuit 17 converts an analog signaloutput from the position signal calculation circuit 16 into a digitalsignal and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 6.

[0040] A memory (storage means) 18 stores preset information when thepreset information is acquired via the external write device 27, whichwill be described later.

[0041] A fast position preset zoom (FPZ) switch 19 is arranged for “fastposition preset zoom” and designates the start and end of this presetdriving control operation.

[0042] By turning on the fast position preset zoom switch 19, the zoomlens optical system 7 can be moved from the current position at the ONtiming to a preset position stored in the CPU preset information memory28 or memory 18 in advance (to be described later) at a predeterminedspeed (e.g., maximum speed in the TV lens 100). This driving can bestopped by turning on the fast position preset zoom switch 19 again orreleasing the ON state (turning off the switch 19).

[0043] A memory position preset zoom (MPZ) switch 20 is arranged for“memory position preset zoom” and designates the start and end of thispreset driving control operation.

[0044] By turning on the memory position preset zoom switch 20, the zoomlens optical system 7 can be moved from the current position at the ONtiming to a preset position stored in the CPU preset information memory28 or memory 18 in advance (to be described later) at a similarly storedpreset speed. This driving can be stopped by turning on the memoryposition preset zoom switch 20 again or releasing the ON state (turningoff the switch 20).

[0045] A speed preset zoom (SPZ) switch 21 is arranged for “speed presetzoom” and designates the start and end of this preset driving controloperation.

[0046] By turning on the speed preset zoom switch 21, the zoom lensoptical system 7 can be moved from the current position at the ON timingin a preset direction stored in the CPU preset information memory 28 ormemory 18 in advance (to be described later) at a similarly storedpreset speed. This driving can be stopped by turning on the speed presetzoom switch 21 again or releasing the ON state (turning off the switch21).

[0047] A shuttle zoom (SHZ) switch 22 is arranged for “shuttle zoom” anddesignates the start and end of this preset driving control operation.

[0048] By turning on the shuttle zoom switch 22, the zoom lens opticalsystem 7 can be moved from the current position at the ON timing to apreset position stored in the CPU preset information memory 28 or memory18 in advance (to be described later) at a predetermined speed (e.g.,low speed). Further, the position (home position) at the ON timing ofthe shuttle zoom switch 22 is stored in the CPU preset informationmemory 28 or the like. After the zoom lens optical system 7 reaches thepreset position, the zoom lens optical system 7 can be moved to the homeposition at a predetermined speed (e.g., low speed) by releasing the ONstate of the shuttle zoom switch 22 (turning off the switch 22).

[0049] A memory (MEMO) switch 23 designates storage of each presetinformation. A preset information selector (SEL) switch (selectionmeans) 24 causes the user to select, as preset information used forpreset driving control, preset information (device-side presetinformation) stored in the CPU preset information memory 28 on the lensdevice side or preset information stored in the CPU preset informationmemory 28 via the external write device 27 by using the zoom controlswitch 1, fast position preset zoom switch 19, memory position presetzoom switch 20, speed preset zoom switch 21, shuttle zoom switch 22, andmemory switch 23, which will be described later.

[0050] An information converter (information conversion means) 25converts information from the external write device 27 into informationof a form processible by the CPU 6 by using optical conversioninformation stored in the CPU optical information memory 29.

[0051] A connector 26 mechanically and electrically connects the TV lens100 and external write device 27.

[0052] The external write device 27 is implemented by a personalcomputer or the like, and is connected to the TV lens 100 to constitutea preset information setting system. The external write device 27 inputspreset information (to be described later) of an arbitrary form for thezoom lens optical system 7 to the information converter 25 of the TVlens 100 in accordance with the operation of a user who is to writepreset information.

[0053] The preset driving control switches 19 to 22, memory switch 23,and preset information selector switch 24 may be arranged in the TV lens100 or in a demand (external control unit) which is connected to the TVlens 100 via a cable or the like and comprises a thumb ring instead ofthe zoom control switch 1.

[0054] Building components of the above arrangement except for opticaladjustment means such as the zoom lens optical system 7, i.e., circuitssuch as the zoom control switch 1 and CPU 6, the motor 11, the speeddetector 12, the position detector 15, the preset driving controlswitches 19 to 22, the memory switch 23, and the preset informationselector switch 24 may be arranged in a lens driving unit (opticaldevice driving unit) used after being mounted on or connected to a handytype lens device main body.

[0055] In the lens device (or lens driving unit) with this arrangement,the TV lens 100 side (i.e., not using the external write device 27) mustdrive the zoom lens optical system 7 to a preset position by the motoras pre-work for storing a preset position, and must drive the zoom lensoptical system 7 in advance by the motor in order to store the presetspeed and preset direction.

[0056] Driving control of the zoom lens optical system 7 via the zoomcontrol switch 1 will be explained. When the zoom control switch 1 ismanipulated, the command signal generation circuit 2 outputs a zoomswitch command signal for designating a driving direction and drivingspeed (or driving amount and driving position) proportional to themanipulation amount of the zoom control switch 1. The zoom switchcommand signal is input to the power amplifying circuit 10 via the zoomspeed variable volume control 3 for changing the driving speed of thezoom lens optical system 7 in accordance with the manipulation amount ofthe zoom control switch 1, amplified to a predetermined level by thepower amplifying circuit 10, and input to the motor 11. Then, the motor11 operates to drive the zoom lens optical system 7.

[0057] Processing of the CPU 6 at this time will be described withreference to FIG. 2. The CPU 6 acquires a zoom switch command signal Afrom the A/D conversion circuit 5 (step 101), and calculates a CPUcommand signal by multiplying the zoom switch command signal A acquiredin step 101 by a constant K1 (step 102). The CPU 6 outputs the CPUcommand signal to the D/A conversion circuit 8 (step 103).

[0058] The position of the zoom lens optical system 7 necessary to storea preset position can be detected by inputting an output from theposition detector 15 to the CPU 6 via the position signal calculationcircuit 16 and A/D conversion circuit 17.

[0059] The driving speed and driving direction of the zoom lens opticalsystem 7 necessary to store a preset speed and preset direction can bedetected by inputting an output from the speed detector 12 to the CPU 6via the speed signal calculation circuit 13 and A/D conversion circuit14.

[0060] As will be described later, whether the zoom control switch 1necessary to store a preset speed and preset direction was manipulatedcan be determined by outputting a command signal proportional to themanipulation amount of the zoom control switch 1 from the command signalgeneration circuit 2 and inputting the command signal to the CPU 6 viathe zoom speed variable volume control 3, command signal calculationcircuit 4, and A/D conversion circuit 5.

[0061] Setting of preset information necessary to realize the presetdriving control functions “fast position preset zoom”, “memory positionpreset zoom”, “speed preset zoom”, and “shuttle zoom” will besequentially explained.

[0062] Setting of a preset position for “fast position preset zoom” willbe described. To set a preset position, the user drives the zoom lensoptical system 7 to a position he/she wants to preset in advance bymanipulating the zoom control switch 1, and during on state of thememory switch 23, changes the state of fast position preset zoom switch19 from “OFF” to “ON”. The CPU 6 stores the position of the zoom lensoptical system 7 as a preset position in the CPU preset informationmemory 28.

[0063] Setting of a preset position for “memory position preset zoom”will be described. To set a preset position, similar to “fast positionpreset zoom”, the user drives the zoom lens optical system 7 to aposition he/she wants to preset in advance by manipulating the zoomcontrol switch 1, and during on state of the memory switch 23, changesthe state of memory position preset zoom switch 20 from “OFF” to “ON”.The CPU 6 stores the position of the zoom lens optical system 7 as apreset position in the CPU preset information memory 28.

[0064] Setting of a preset speed for “memory position preset zoom” willbe described. To set a preset speed, the user manipulates the zoomcontrol switch 1, and during driving the zoom lens optical system 7 at aspeed he/she wants to preset in advance, changes the state of memoryswitch 23 from “OFF” to “ON”. The CPU 6 stores the driving speed of thezoom lens optical system 7 obtained when the memory switch 23 is turnedon from the OFF state, as a preset speed in the CPU preset informationmemory 28.

[0065] Setting of a preset speed and preset direction for “speed presetzoom” will be described. To set a preset speed and preset direction, theuser manipulates the zoom control switch 1, and during driving the zoomlens optical system 7 in a direction at a speed he/she wants to presetin advance, changes the state of memory switch 23 from “OFF” to “ON”.The CPU 6 stores the driving speed of the zoom lens optical system 7obtained when the memory switch 23 is turned on from the OFF state, as apreset speed and the driving direction of the zoom lens optical system 7as a preset direction in the CPU preset information memory 28.

[0066] Setting of a preset position for “shuttle zoom” will bedescribed. To set a preset position, similar to “fast position presetzoom”, the user drives the zoom lens optical system 7 to a positionhe/she wants to preset in advance by manipulating the zoom controlswitch 1, and during on state of the memory switch 23, changes the stateof shuttle zoom switch 22 from “OFF” to “ON”. The CPU 6 stores theposition of the zoom lens optical system 7 as a preset position in theCPU preset information memory 28.

[0067] Write (or rewrite) of preset information in the memory 18 via theexternal write device 27 will be explained. Pieces of preset informationof an arbitrary form sent from the external write device 27 are input tothe signal converter 25 via the connector 26.

[0068] Of the pieces of preset information of an arbitrary form inputfrom the external write device 27, information about the preset positionincludes a relative position within the movable range of the zoom lensoptical system 7, i.e., a relative preset position representing theposition of the zoom lens optical system 7 by a numerical value (drivingamount from a predetermined end) of 1 to 2,000 prepared by dividing themovable range of the zoom lens optical system 7 into 2,000 at an equalinterval, and an absolute preset position representing the position ofthe zoom lens optical system 7 as an absolute position by using a focallength.

[0069] Of the pieces of preset information of an arbitrary form inputfrom the external write device 27, information about the preset speedincludes a relative preset speed represented by a driving time takenfrom one end to the other end in the movable range of the zoom lensoptical system 7, and an absolute preset speed represented by thedriving time in preset control operation (e.g., driving time taken froma current position to a preset position).

[0070] Of the pieces of preset information of an arbitrary form inputfrom the external write device 27, information about the presetdirection includes an absolute preset direction representing awide-angle side or telephoto side to which the zoom lens optical system7 is driven.

[0071] In accordance with a command from the CPU 6, the signal converter25 uses optical conversion information stored in the CPU opticalinformation memory 29, and converts the input pieces of presetinformation (relative preset position, absolute preset position,relative preset speed, absolute preset speed, and absolute presetdirection) of an arbitrary form into pieces of preset information (to bereferred to as actual preset information) of a form processible by theCPU 6 in performing preset driving control that correspond to a positionsignal and speed signal from the zoom position detector 15 and zoomspeed detector 12. The converted pieces of actual preset information arestored in the memory 18 via the CPU 6.

[0072] Contents of information conversion processing by the signalconverter 25 will be exemplified. When a relative preset position (e.g.,16-bit data “65535”) is input from the external write device 27 and therotational position of the above-mentioned lens operation ring (drivingmechanism) is represented by data of “0” to “4,000” in the CPU 6, asshown in FIG. 9, the signal converter 25 uses a conversion equation asoptical conversion information, converts the relative preset positioninto actual rotational position data of the lens operation ring such as“2,504”, and stores this rotational position data as an actual presetposition in the memory 18.

[0073] When an absolute preset speed (e.g., data of a focal length “60mm”) is input from the external write device 27, the signal converter 25uses table data as optical conversion information, converts the absolutepreset position into actual rotational position data of the lensoperation ring such as “2,504”, as shown in FIG. 9, and stores therotational position data as an actual preset position in the memory 18.

[0074] When a relative preset position (e.g., driving time data “FFF”)is input from the external write device 27, the signal converter 25 usestable data as optical conversion information, converts the relativepreset speed into actual rotational speed data of the lens operationring such as “max” or “½max”, and stores the rotational speed data as anactual preset speed in the memory 18.

[0075] When an absolute preset speed (e.g., driving time data taken froma current position to a preset position) is input from the externalwrite device 27, the signal converter 25 uses an arithmetic equation asoptical conversion information, calculates the difference between thepreset position and the current position, converts the absolute presetspeed into actual rotational speed data of the lens operation ring by,e.g., looking up table data for the difference value and driving timedata, and stores the rotational speed data as an actual preset speed inthe memory 18.

[0076] When an absolute preset direction (data “wide-angle side” or“telephoto side”) is input from the external write device 27, the signalconverter 25 uses a conversion table as optical conversion information,converts the absolute preset direction into actual rotational directiondata of the lens operation ring such as a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection, and stores the rotational direction data as an actual presetdirection in the memory 18.

[0077] The internal structure of the memory 18 will be described withreference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, a fast position preset zoom positionstorage portion 31 stores an actual preset position used for “fastposition preset zoom”. A memory position preset zoom position storageportion 32 stores an actual preset position used for “memory positionpreset zoom”. A memory position preset zoom speed storage portion 33stores an actual preset speed used for “memory position preset zoom”. Aspeed preset zoom speed storage portion 34 stores an actual preset speedused for “speed preset zoom”. A speed preset zoom direction storageportion 35 stores an actual preset direction used for “speed presetzoom”. A shuttle zoom position storage portion 36 stores an actualpreset position used for “shuttle zoom”.

[0078] The CPU 6 stores pieces of actual preset information converted bythe signal converter 25 in the storage portions 31 to 36 in accordancewith the types of pieces of information.

[0079] Processes of the CPU 6 and information converter 25 in writing(or rewriting) preset information in the memory 18 from the externalwrite device 27 will be explained with reference to flow charts shown inFIGS. 4 to 8. Note that the same circled figures in FIGS. 4 to 8 meanthat they are linked to each other.

[0080] The CPU 6 confirms an input from the information converter 25 anddetermines whether the external write device 27 is connected to the TVlens 100 (step 201). Whether the external write device 27 is connectedis determined by receiving connection confirmation data or the like fromthe external write device 27 or attaching an identification pin to theconnector 26.

[0081] If No in step 201, step 201 is repeated; or if Yes, the CPU 6starts receiving data (preset information of an arbitrary form) from theexternal write device 27 (step 202). The data received from the externalwrite device 27 includes data for identifying the use in any one of thefour preset driving control functions.

[0082] Whether the data received from the external write device 27 ispreset information used for “fast position preset zoom” is determined(step 203). If Yes in step 203, whether the received data is relativepreset position data is checked (step 204).

[0083] If the received data is not relative preset position data, i.e.,is absolute preset position data (No in step 204), the absolute presetposition data is converted into an actual preset position using opticalconversion information stored in the CPU optical information memory 29,as described above (step 205). If Yes in step 204, the relative presetposition data is converted into an actual preset position using opticalconversion information stored in the CPU optical information memory 29,as described above (step 206).

[0084] After this processing, the actual preset position converted instep 205 or 206 is written and stored in the fast position preset zoomposition storage portion 31 of the memory 18, and the processing ends(step 207).

[0085] If No in step 203, whether the received data is presetinformation used for “memory position preset zoom” is determined (step208). If Yes in step 208, whether the received data is relative presetposition data is checked (step 209).

[0086] If Yes in step 209, the relative preset position data isconverted into an actual preset position using optical conversioninformation stored in the CPU optical information memory 29, asdescribed above (step 210). If No in step 209, whether the received datais absolute preset position data is checked (step 211). If Yes in step211, the absolute preset position data is converted into an actualpreset position using optical conversion information stored in the CPUoptical information memory 29, as described above (step 212).

[0087] After this processing, the actual preset position converted instep 210 or 212 is written and stored in the memory position preset zoomposition storage portion 32 of the memory 18, and the processing ends(step 213).

[0088] If No in step 211, whether the received data is relative presetspeed data is determined (step 214). If the received data is notrelative preset speed data, i.e., is absolute preset speed data, theabsolute preset speed data is converted into an actual preset speedusing optical conversion information stored in the CPU opticalinformation memory 29, as described above (step 215). If the receiveddata is relative preset speed data, the relative preset speed data isconverted into an actual preset speed using optical conversioninformation stored in the CPU optical information memory 29, asdescribed above (step 216).

[0089] After this processing, the actual preset speed converted in step215 or 216 is written and stored in the memory position preset zoomspeed storage portion 33 of the memory 18, and the processing ends (step217).

[0090] If No in step 208, whether the received data is presetinformation used for “speed preset zoom” is determined (step 218). IfYes in step 218, whether the received data is relative preset speed datais checked (step 219).

[0091] If Yes in step 219, the relative preset speed data is convertedinto an actual preset speed using optical conversion information storedin the CPU optical information memory 29, as described above (step 221).If No in step 219, whether the received data is absolute preset speeddata is checked (step 220).

[0092] If Yes in step 220, the absolute preset speed data is convertedinto an actual preset speed using optical conversion information storedin the CPU optical information memory 29, as described above (step 222).

[0093] After this processing, the actual preset speed converted in step221 or 222 is written and stored in the speed preset zoom speed storageportion 34 of the memory 18, and the processing ends (step 225).

[0094] If the received data is not absolute preset speed data, i.e., isabsolute preset direction data in step 220, the absolute presetdirection data is converted into an actual preset direction usingoptical conversion information stored in the CPU optical informationmemory 29, as described above (step 223). The actual preset directionconverted in step 223 is written and stored in the speed preset zoomdirection storage portion 35 of the memory 18, and then the processingends (step 224).

[0095] If No in step 218, whether the received data is presetinformation used for “shuttle zoom” is checked (step 226). If Yes instep 226, whether the received data is relative preset position data isdetermined (step 227).

[0096] If the received data is not relative preset position data, i.e.,is absolute preset position data (No in 227), the absolute presetposition data is converted into an actual preset position using opticalconversion information stored in the CPU optical information memory 29,as described above (step 228). If Yes in 227, the relative presetposition data is converted into an actual preset position using opticalconversion information stored in the CPU optical information memory 29,as described above (step 229).

[0097] After this processing, the actual preset position converted instep 228 or 229 is written and stored in the shuttle zoom positionstorage portion 36 of the memory 18, and the processing ends (step 230).

[0098] If No in step 226, the processing directly ends.

[0099] In this way, pieces of preset information are stored in thememory 18 via the external write device 27 in advance. The respectivepreset driving control functions using these pieces of presetinformation can be executed.

[0100] When there are preset information stored in the memory 18 via theexternal write device 27, and preset information stored in the CPUpreset information memory 28 of the TV lens 100 by using the zoomcontrol switch 1, fast position preset zoom switch 19, memory positionpreset zoom switch 20, speed preset zoom switch 21, shuttle zoom switch22, and memory switch 23, preset driving control using the presetinformation in the CPU preset information memory 28 can be performed byturning on the preset information selector switch 24 by the user, andpreset driving control using the preset information in the memory 18 canbe performed by keeping the preset information selector switch 24 off.

[0101] As described above, according to the first embodiment, presetinformation can be set (stored in the memory 18) in the TV lens 100 viathe external write device 27. For example, in photographing an image byremote control, the user can easily set preset information without goingto the place where the TV lens 100 is set. A preset position can be setby inputting focal length information from the external write device 27,or a preset speed can be set by inputting information about the entirerange driving time of the zoom lens optical system 7 from the externalwrite device 27. Inputting information of an arbitrary form implements amore useful preset driving control function.

[0102] (Second Embodiment)

[0103] In the first embodiment, preset information input as informationof an arbitrary form from the external write device 27 is converted bythe information converter 25 into a form processible by the CPU 6 andstored in the memory 18. Alternatively, preset information of a formprocessible by a CPU 6 may be directly input from an external writedevice 27 and stored in a memory 18.

[0104] (Third Embodiment)

[0105] In the first embodiment, preset information is input as a setvalue via the external write device 27, converted into a formprocessible by the CPU 6, and then stored in the memory 18.Alternatively, a function capable of setting preset informationsimilarly to setting of preset information in a TV lens 100 may beprovided to an external write device 27 by arranging a zoom controlswitch (driving command operation means) for designating driving of thezoom lens optical system 7 and a memory switch (storage commandoperation means) for designating storage of the driving state of a zoomlens optical system 7, i.e., a driving position or a driving speed anddirection in a memory 18.

[0106] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0107] In the first embodiment, preset information is set in the TV lens100 by actually driving the zoom lens optical system 7. Alternatively,preset information may be set (stored) using a setting means such as avolume or switch without actually driving a zoom lens optical system 7.

[0108] In each embodiment, a preset position, preset speed, and presetdirection can be set as preset information. However, another presetinformation can be set.

[0109] Each embodiment has exemplified preset driving control of a zoomlens optical system. The present invention can also be applied to presetdriving control of a focus lens optical system, imaging lens opticalsystem, and light quantity adjustment system.

[0110] As has been described above, according to the present invention,preset information such as a preset position, preset speed, or presetdirection can be set via an information write device set outside (e.g.,remote place) an optical device or driving unit. Particularly in aremote-control photographing form, the user can set preset informationwithout going close to the optical device or the like, which improvesthe practical convenience.

[0111] The optical device or driving unit is equipped with aninformation conversion means for converting preset information of anarbitrary form received from the information write device into presetinformation of a form processible in preset driving control and storingthe converted preset information in a storage means. This enablesconversion setting of a preset position by inputting a desired focallength to the information write device, or enables conversion setting ofa preset speed by inputting a desired entire zoom range driving time tothe information write device. As a result, better convenience can beattained.

[0112] Choices of usable preset information can be increased and a moreuseful preset control function can be realized by arranging a selectionmeans for selecting which of preset information set on the device sideor preset information acquired via the information write device is usedto perform preset driving control.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical device comprising: an optical member;driving means for driving said optical member; storage means for storingpreset information about driving of said optical member; an informationwrite device for writing the preset information in said storage meansfrom outside of said optical device; and control means for performingdriving control of said driving means, wherein said control meansperforms preset driving control of said driving means on the basis ofthe preset information stored in said storage means.
 2. A deviceaccording to claim 1 , wherein said information write device generatespreset information of an arbitrary form, and said optical device furthercomprises information conversion means for converting the presetinformation of the arbitrary form from said information write deviceinto preset information of a form processible by said control means,said information conversion means storing the converted presetinformation of the processible form in said storage means.
 3. A deviceaccording to claim 1 , wherein said information write device generates,as preset information of an arbitrary form, relative positioninformation representing a driving amount from a predetermined positionin a movable range of said optical member, and said optical devicefurther comprises information conversion means for converting therelative position information from said information write device intopreset information representing an actual driving position of saidoptical member, said information conversion means storing the convertedpreset information representing the actual driving position in saidstorage means.
 4. A device according to claim 1 , wherein saidinformation write device generates focal length information as presetinformation of an arbitrary form, and said optical device furthercomprises information conversion means for converting the focal lengthinformation from said information write device into preset informationrepresenting an actual driving position of said optical member, saidinformation conversion means storing the converted preset informationrepresenting the actual driving position in said storage means.
 5. Adevice according to claim 1 , wherein said information write devicegenerates, as preset information of an arbitrary form, driving timeinformation representing a driving time taken from one end to the otherend in a movable range of said optical member, and said optical devicefurther comprises information conversion means for converting thedriving time information from said information write device into presetinformation representing an actual driving speed of said optical member,said information conversion means storing the converted presetinformation representing the actual driving speed in said storage means.6. A device according to claim 1 , wherein said information write devicegenerates, as preset information of an arbitrary form, range drivingtime information representing a driving time in a driving range of thepreset driving control, and said optical device further comprisesinformation conversion means for converting the range driving timeinformation from said information write device into preset informationrepresenting a driving speed of said optical member, said informationconversion means storing the converted preset information representingthe driving speed in said storage means.
 7. A device according to claim1 , wherein said information write device generates preset informationof a form processible in the preset driving control, and stores thegenerated preset information in said storage means.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 1 , wherein said optical member includes a zoom lensoptical system.
 9. A device according to claim 1 , wherein saidinformation write device includes a computer.
 10. An optical devicecomprising: an optical member; driving means for driving said opticalmember; storage means for storing preset information about driving ofsaid optical member; storage operation setting means operated to storedevice-side preset information in said storage means; an informationwrite device for writing external preset information in said storagemeans from outside of said optical device; selection means for selectingeither of the device-side preset information and the external presetinformation that are stored in said storage means; and control means forperforming driving control of said driving means, wherein said controlmeans selects either of the device-side preset information and theexternal preset information that are stored in said storage means inaccordance with a selection result of said selection means, and performspreset driving control of said driving means on the basis of theselected preset information.
 11. An optical device driving unit mountedon or connected to an optical device main body having an optical member,comprising: an optical member; driving means for driving said opticalmember; storage means for storing preset information about driving ofsaid optical member; an information write device for writing the presetinformation in said storage means from outside of said optical device;and control means for performing driving control of said driving means,wherein said control means performs preset driving control of saiddriving means on the basis of the preset information stored in saidstorage means.
 12. An optical device driving unit mounted on orconnected to an optical device main body having an optical member,comprising: an optical member; driving means for driving said opticalmember; storage means for storing preset information about driving ofsaid optical member; storage operation setting means operated to storedevice-side preset information in said storage means; an informationwrite device for writing external preset information in said storagemeans from outside of said optical device; selection means for selectingeither of the device-side preset information and the external presetinformation that are stored in said storage means; and control means forperforming driving control of said driving means, wherein said controlmeans selects either of the device-side preset information and theexternal preset information that are stored in said storage means inaccordance with a selection result of said selection means, and performspreset driving control of said driving means on the basis of theselected preset information.
 13. An information write device connectedto an optical device including: an optical member; driving means fordriving said optical member; storage means for storing presetinformation about driving of said optical member; and control means forperforming driving control of said driving means, said control meansperforming preset driving control of said driving means on the basis ofthe preset information stored in said storage means, comprising:connection means for connecting said information write device to saidoptical device; driving command operation means operated to designatedriving of said optical member, said driving command operation meansgenerating driving information; and storage command operation meansoperated to store the driving information from said driving commandoperation means as preset information in said storage means.
 14. Apreset information setting system having an optical device and aninformation write device connected to the optical device, comprising: anoptical member; driving means for driving said optical member; storagemeans for storing preset information about driving of said opticalmember; control means for performing driving control of said drivingmeans, said control means performing preset driving control of saiddriving means on the basis of the preset information stored in saidstorage means; connection means for connecting the information writedevice to the optical device; driving command operation means operatedto designate driving of said optical member, said driving commandoperation means generating driving information; and storage commandoperation means operated to store the driving information from saiddriving command operation means as preset information in said storagemeans.
 15. A camera system having a camera on which an optical device ismounted, comprising: an optical member; driving means for driving saidoptical member; storage means for storing preset information aboutdriving of said optical member; an information write device for writingthe preset information in said storage means from outside of saidoptical device; and control means for performing driving control of saiddriving means, said control means performing preset driving control ofsaid driving means on the basis of the preset information stored in saidstorage means.